Alaric shook his head, his expression a blend of disgust and false pity. “Enough. Get out, Raven. You’re polluting my territory. Never associate yourself with me again.”
My fists clenched so tightly my claws bit into my palms. The rage inside me threatened to tear free—but I forced it down.
“Fine,” I said quietly. “I’ll go.”
I looked at them one last time, my voice steady and sharp as steel. “But remember this—every humiliation you poured on me tonight will be returned a hundred times over.”
More laughter exploded.
“Payback? Seriously?” someone scoffed.
Lilith clung to Alaric’s arm, laughing breathlessly. “Raven, have you been watching too many drama serials? Talking about revenge like you’re the heroine of some fantasy.”
Alaric waved his hand dismissively. “Enough theatrics. Get lost. We have a celebration to enjoy.”
I didn’t respond. I turned and walked away.
Behind me, insults and laughter chased my steps—but they no longer mattered.
Outside the grand hall, beneath the cold night sky, I bought a new communicator and dialed a familiar number.
“Before the market opens tomorrow,” I said calmly, “I want Alaric destroyed.”
There was a brief pause.